Environmental Site Assessment – Phase II
If a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) identifies Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) of the site by contaminants, a Phase II ESA may be conducted. The Phase II ESA includes sampling and laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of hazardous materials. Depending on the results of the samples, the Phase II ESA should outline additional site investigation needs, and potential remedial actions that may be required to clean up the property.
The Purpose of a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment in Illinois is to evaluate the presence, or absence of, petroleum products or hazardous substances in the subsurface of the site. A team of experienced environmental consultants that is usually comprised of geologists and engineers handles this type of work. In general properties such as Gas Stations (current & and previous), dry cleaners, machine shops, manufacturing faciities and hazardous waste storage are a few examples of properties that would be have a phase II ESA.
Standards for Phase II ESAs have been established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Who Commonly Utilizes a Phase II?
Phase II ESA is often included as part of a commercial real estate transaction and is designed to meet the scrutiny of the various parties involved in the subject property including commercial lenders, federal and state regulatory agencies and attorneys. These studies can range from limited Phase II Environmental Assessments to a full phase II Environmental. As part of the due diligence process for real estate transactions, a more limited study should be conducted to initially determine the likelihood of a serve problem.
Some of the tests that may be preformed include:
- Soil and water samples on the properties surface
- Subsurface soil borings
- Groundwater monitoring well insulation, sampling and analysis (may be needed on neighboring properties to determine the presence of contamination)
- Drum sampling (if any were left on the property)
- Sampling of dry wells, floor drains and catch basins
- Testing for chemicals such as PCBs
- Testing for underground storage tanks (USTs)
